'
"'Now, isn't that a coincidence?' said Rastignac, turning to me and
laughing. He looked again to the literary speculation, and said,
indicating me:
"'This is M. de Valentin, one of my friends, whom I must introduce to
you as one of our future literary celebrities. He had formerly an
aunt, a marquise, much in favor once at court, and for about two years
he has been writing a Royalist history of the Revolution.'
"Then, bending over this singular man of business, he went on:
"'He is a man of talent, and a simpleton that will do your memoirs
for you, in his aunt's name, for a hundred crowns a volume.'
"'It's a bargain,' said the other, adjusting his cravat. 'Waiter, my
oysters.'
"'Yes, but you must give me twenty-five louis as commission, and you
will pay him in advance for each volume,' said Rastignac.
"'No, no. He shall only have fifty crowns on account, and then I
shall be sure of having my manuscript punctually.'
"Rastignac repeated this business conversation to me in low tones; and
then, without giving me any voice in the matter, he replied:
"'We agree to your proposal. When can we call upon you to arrange the
affair?'
"'Oh, well! Come and dine here to-morrow at seven o'clock.
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